The former Barcelona striker moved to New York City FC in 2014, and scored 23 goals in America this season.

However, NYCFC were dumped out of the playoffs by Toronto FC, who face Seattle Sounders in the MLS Cup final this weekend, live on Sky Sports 3 HD from 1am on Sunday morning.

The Spanish striker scored 23 goals this season to lead New York City F.C. to its first playoff berth, was named Major League Soccer’s most valuable

“Two and a half years ago, when I decided to come here, some people thought maybe I had come here to find a home and retire,” Villa said. “I tried every day to show to the people that I come here to be strong and competitive.”

“This is an important day in my career — this is an important moment for me. This award is for the best player in this amazing league which has many quality players so this is a very happy and proud day for me.”

He beat New York Red Bulls teammates Sacha Kljestan and Bradley Wright-Phillips for the award.

The 35-year-old received an average of nearly 26 percent of the vote, while Golden Boot winner Wright-Phillips had almost 19.3 percent, with Kljestan receiving 17.6.

Villa handily won the player and club officials’ vote, but in the media vote he was tied with Wright-Phillips and Toronto FC’s Sebastian Giovinco — who finished fourth overall — at 22.43 percent.

Giovinco won the award last season, when it was renamed the Landon Donovan MLS MVP for the first time.

Montreal’s Ignacio Piatti finished fifth in the voting with an average of 7.7 percent.